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Alabama  Centennial  Commission 


At  Old  Mobile 

Second  of  a Series  of  Historical  Plays 
in  Commemoration  of  the  close 
of  a Century  of  Statehood 

By  Marie  Bankhead  Owen 


Issued  by  the  Commission 


Montgomery,  Alabama 
The  Paragon  Press 
1919 


Alabama  Centennial  Commission 

Created  by  act  of  the  Legislature,  February  17,  1919. 

Headquarters : Montgomery 

His  Exellency,  Thomas  E.  Kilby,  Governor, 
ex-officio,  Chairman 

Dr.  Thomas  M.  Owen,  Director,  Department  of 
Archives  and  History,  ex-officio.  Secretary 
and  Historian. 

Fitzhugh  Lee,  State  Auditor,  ex-officio 

Spright  Dowell,  Superintendent  of  Education, 
ex-officio 

Dr.  Thomas  C.  McCorvey,  University,  Ala. 

Dr.  George  Petrie,  Auburn,  Ala. 

Mrs.  Bibb  Graves,  Montgomery,  Ala. 

David  Holt,  Newspaper  Publicity  Director, 
Montgomery,  Ala. 


The  Commission,  created  by  enactment  of  the  Legislature,  has 
for  its  activities  the  encouragement  of  general  interest  in  the 
history  of  the  State,  the  general  observance  of  the  100th  anni- 
versary of  Statehood,  the  marking  of  historic  spots,  and  the  pub- 
lication of  local  and  other  historical  materials.  Wide  organ- 
ized publicity  has  been  given  its  plans.  The  most  general  co- 
operation has  been  promised.  Correspondence  invited. 

Address  Dr.  Thomas  M.  Owen,  Director  of  the  Centenary, 
State  Capitol,  Montgomery 


Copyrighted,  1919, 


8/^. 

Ow'XI.-t 


At  Old  Mobile 

The  second  of  five  episodes,  in  drama  and  masque  of  the 
state’s  history,  with  intervening  periods  to  be  summarized  by 
prologues  of  Heralds. 

Theme,  The  extension  in  America  of  European  Empires,  show- 
ing that  in  the  new  world  the  jealousies  of  the  old  were 
brought  forward  and  fought  to  conclusions.  The  play  par- 
ticularly reflects  the  romance,  adventure,  intrigue,  and  the 
political  and  religious  rivalries  that  characterized  the  place 
and  time  when  Mobile  was  the  capital  of  half  the  continent, 
known  as  New  France,  or  the  Province  of  Louisiana. 

Place,  Mobile,  Alabama,  at  that  time  the  capital  of  the  French 
Province  of  Louisiana. 

Time,  1714-17. 


Occasion,  Celebration  of  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of 
the  admission  of  Alabama  into  the  Federal  Union. 


4 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


PERSONS  CONCERNED, 

Jean  Baptiste  LeMoyne,  Sieur  de  Bienville,  Governor  of 
the  French  Province  of  Louisiana. 

(Pronounced  by  the  French,  Zhon  Bap-teest  Le  Mwan, 
Sir  de  Byan-vel. 

Chateauguay,  his  brother,  an  artillery  officer. 
(Pronounced  Sha-to-ga.) 

Madam  Chateauguay. 

St.  Helene,  his  nephew. 

(Pronounced  Sant  A-lenn.) 

Boisbriant,  an  officer.  (Bwa-bree-ohn.) 

D’Artaguette,  an  officer.  (D’ar-ta-guette.) 

Father  Davion,  a priest.  (Da-vee-ohn.) 

Captain  Marchand,  Commandant  of  Ft.  Toulouse. 
(Pronounced  Mar-shaw.) 

Lieutenant  Blondel,  Commandant  of  Dauphine  Island. 
(Pronounced  (Blon-del.) 

Paillou,  Architect  of  French  Forts  in  Louisiana. 
(Pronounced  Pi-you.) 

Spanish  Wine,  an  Indian  Slave. 

Twenty-six  Cassette  girls. 

Two  Conductresses  or  Grey  Nuns. 

Pierre,  a Colonist.  (Pronounced  Pe-ar.) 

Jacques,  a Renegade.  (Pronounced  Zhak.) 

Julie  B^aujeau.  (Pronounced  Zhu-le  Bo-zho.) 

Marie  Blanche.  (Pronounced  Ma-re  Blansh.) 

St.  Denis,  a Colonist  and  trader.  (Pronounced  San-de- 
nay.) 

Madam  St.  Denis. 

Sehoy.  (Se-hoy.)  Daugher  of  the  Wind.  (Indian  rul- 
ing tribe.) 

Picard,  a Violinist  and  dancing  master.  (Pe-kar.) 
Indian  Chiefs,  councilmen  and  squaws. 

Colonists,  soldiers,  sailors  and  French  children. 
Iberville  is  pronounced  E-ber-veel. 

These  suggestions  are  made  in  order  that  the  actors 
may  know  the  true  French  pronunciation.  Certain  of 
the  names,  however,  may  prove  difficult  to  the  un- 
trained French  student,  and  the  director  is  warranted 
in  Anglicizing  the  pronunciation  if  necessary. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


5 


COSTUMES. 

Bienville,  Brown  coat  with  facings,  pockets  and  cuffs  of  yel- 
low; gold  buttons  and  epaulets.  The  knee  breeches  are  yel- 
low. The  shoes  and  hose  are  black.  The  hat  is  black  felt, 
caught  up  at  back  and  front,  and  a black  plume  ti/  the  side. 
The  style  of  the  coat  is  Colonial,  with  skirts  reaching  to  the 
knees  at  the  back,  and  cut  away  from  the  front.  The  collar 
may  be  a soft  stock,  and  a lace  jabot  at  the  throat. 

Chateauguay.  Grey  coat  with  red  facings,  pockets  and  cuffs, 
red  breeches,  black  hat  with  red  plume. 

Blondel.  Dark  red  coat  with  black  facings,  pockets  and 
cuffs,  black  breeches  and  hat. 

St.  Helene.  A light  blue  jacket,  white  shirt  with  rolling  col- 
lar; a dark  blue  cape  lined  with  red  and  worn  jauntily,  hung 
to  the  neck  by  a cord.  He  wears  a black  hat,  that  is  caught 
up  in  front  by  a yellow  rosette. 

Broishriant.  Dark  blue  coat  with  light  blue  trimmings,  dark 
blue  breeches  and  black  hat. 

D^Artaguette.  Black  throughout.  White  stock  collar  and 
lace  jabot. 

Captain  Marchant.  The  same  as  Broishriant. 

Paillou.  Dark  tan  jacket  and  breeches.  His  turban-like  ca| 
is  of  tan. 

Pierre  and  Jacques,  Grey  jacket  and  breeches,  round  fur 
caps. 

St.  Denis.  Black  breeches  and  jacket,,  with  a soft  red  silk 
girdle  and  round  black  cap  which  he  wears  smartly  on  the  side 
of  his  head.  His  shirt  has  ruffles  at  the  wrists  and  lace  at 
the  throat. 

Picard.  Pearl  gray  coat  with  blue  cuffs  and  collar,  lace  at 
the  throat.  A bright  blue  vest  may  be  worn.  The  knee 
breeches  are  red  and  his  black  hat  has  a red  feather. 

Father  Davion.  A long  black  robe  with  black  hood.  The 
hood  is  worn  off  the  head,  falling  back  on  to  the  shoulders. 
A cape  falling  to  the  hem  may  also  be  worn  if  desired. 


6 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Madam  Chateauguay,  Her  dress  is  in  the  height  of  style 
of  the  French  court  of  the  early  eighteenth  century.  The  bo- 
dice is  cut  with  a low  round  neck,  and  comes  to  sharp  points 
front  and  back,  basque  fashion.  The  sleeves  are  tight  to  the 

elbow  and  have  ruffles  of  lace  there  as  well  as  at  the  neck. 

The  skirt  is  a huge  hoopskirt  effect  trimmed  with  rows  of  lace 
and  flowers  in  garlands.  The  length  touches  the  floor  in  the 

front  and  sweeps  behind.  She  walks  with  a tall  staff,  and  in 

her  other  hand  carries  a feather  fan.  Her  hair  is  waved  and 
dressed  in  low  loops  on  the  neck  and  the  head  dress  represents 
a ship,  including  realistic  mast  and  rigging.  The  mast  head 
is  a small  plume  above  the  face. 

Madam  Denis,  The  low-necked  bodice  is  tight  fitting  with 
puffed  sleeves  to  the  elbows,  finished  there  with  a frill  of  black 
lace.  The  skirt  is  full  and  to  the  ankles.  It  may  be  of  a 
bright  color.  The  hair  is  dressed  with  bunches  of  curls  hanging 
over  the  ears,  and  the  headdress  is  a band  of  ribbon  over  the 
crown  of  the  head,  a flounce  of  black  lace  sewed  to  the  back, 
and  falling  over  the  shoulders.  She  wears  a lace  scarf  and 
carries  a Spanish,  or  ordinary  open  and  shut  fan  with  which 
she  coquettes  a good  deal  in  Spanish  style.  Her  stockings  are 
red  with  black  slippers.  Black  velvet  bows  at  elbows  and  bust. 

The  Conductresses,  Dark  grey  habits  with  light  blue  veils, 
worn  over  nun-like  bonnets. 

The  Cassette  Girls,  Dark  brown  dresses  with  white  lawn 
hoods,  close-fitting  like  a baby’s  cap,  and  with  a frill  of  nar- 
row lace.  There  is  a black  bow  on  the  top  of  each  hood.  The 
waists  of  the  dresses  are  tight,  the  skirts  full  and  ankle  length. 
There  are  white  muslin  ruffles  at  the  elbows  and  white  berthas 
or  kerchiefs  at  the  neck. 

Sehoy,  Jacket  and  skirt  of  khaki,  representing  deerskin.  It 
is  fringed  and  beaded.  She  wears  bracelets  and  beads  of  all 
sorts  and  on  her  head  is  a wreath  of  red  berries.  Above  her 
moccasins  are  leggings  of  deerskin,  with  a fullness  that  may  be 
had  by  sewing  them  on  the  stockings. 

Indian  Chiefs,  Fringed  jackets  and  long  breeches  of  khaki, 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


7 


feathers  in  their  hair.  They  carry  guns  and  pipes,  war  clubs  and 
tomahawks.  There  are  long  knives  in  their  belts.  Their  faces 
are  painted  in  colored  stripes. 

Other  Indians,  Somewhat  the  same  as  the  chiefs.  The  squaws 
are  dressed  in  the  same  mode  as  Sehoy. 

Colonists  and  children.  Garments  of  any  color,  only  they 
should  conform  to  the  styles  of  the  period  as  indicated  in  the 
clothes  of  the  men  and  women  described  above. 

THE  SCENE. 

The  action  of  ^^At  Old  Mobile”  takes  place  upon  the  espla- 
nade that  runs  before  the  fort,  along  the  river  front,  called 
Place  Royal.  Live  oak  trees  over  shade  the  spot,  and  it  is 
the  common  meeting  ground  of  the  colonists,  savages  and  such 
other  folk  as  come  there  from  the  larger  world  for  trade,  curios- 
ity or  society. 

To  the  right  is  a corner  of  the  fort,  from  whose  bastion  hangs 
the  royal  flag  of  France,  a white  field  covered  with  gold  lilies. 
In  a tower  at  the  center  is  a bell,  on  top,  in  the  form  of  a 
weathervane  is  a Gallic  cock. 

In  the  background  is  a well,  around  which  is  the  market 
place.  On  poles  hang  wild  game,  bear,  turkeys,  birds  and  long 
strings  of  fish.  On  rude  tiers  of  shelves  are  fruit,  peaches,  or- 
anges, watermelons,  figs,  grapes.  On  the  ground  are  piles  of 
green  corn  in  the  husk,  green  peas,  beans  and  squash.  Park 
seats  of  cane  or  young  trees  with  the  bark  still  on,  in  the 
form  of  benches  or  large  chairs,  are  placed  around. 


8 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


The  Prologue 

(To  be  spoken  before  the  curtain  by  one  of  the  characters 
dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  period,  1711-17.) 

Good  Friends,  our  company  of  actors  will  now  set  before  you 
the  second  of  the  Centenary  plays,  Old  Mobile,^* 

Permit  me,  if  you  please,  to  beg  you  to  recall  the  swift  mov- 
ing pages  of  history  that  led  to  the  period  and  events  we  venture 
to  portray,  the  first  quarter  of  the  eighteenth  entury. 

It  was  less  than  half  a hundred  years  after  Columbus  had 
made  known  the  western  world  to  Europe  that  our  wonderful 
countay  became  the  contending  battle-ground  for  either  exploi- 
tation or  colony  planting.  The  far-seeing  statesmen,  (and  there 
were  indeed  men  of  vision  in  those  days),  of  Spain,  Portu- 
gal, Italy,  Holland,  France  and  England,  saw  in  the  discovery 
of  Columbus  unlimited  chance  for  both  Colonial  trade  and  set- 
tlement. 

The  peoples  of  the  old  countries  had  become  congested.  The 
spirit  that  prompted  Columbus  to  make  his  untried  voyage, 
prompted  men  of  equal  daring  to  constantly  seek  new  sea-paths 
and  to  open  up  new  lands.  The  story  of  all  these  struggles  be- 
tween the  contending  nations  named  is  the  story  of  the  Ameri- 
can settlement.  North  and  South. 

Both  chance  and  design  entered  into  the  selection  of  the  lo- 
cality of  the  country  as  the  subject  of  conquest  and  settlement. 
Following  the  ill-starred  expedition  of  De  Soto  of  which  you  have 
heard  through  our  first  play,  ^^The  Battle  of  Mauhillaf*  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years  of  obscurity  veiled  our  fair  Gulf  Country. 

It  was  not  until  late  in  the  seventeenth  century  that  daring 
French  adventurers,  pushing  out  from  Canada  southward,  made 
known  to  the  world  the  beauties  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.  By 
reason  of  these  discoveries  the  French  kings  laid  claim  to  the 
country  which  was  given  the  name  of  Louisiana/^  in  honor  of 
the  *'Orand  Monarch^* 

In  the  meantime  adventurers  by  the  sea  had  explored  and  in  a 
way  charted  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  our  great  inland  sea. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


9 


The  period  was  now  ripe  for  the  planting  of  the  lilies  of 
France  upon  these  newly  claimed  lands.  Orders  came  from  the 
mother  country  to  the  dashing  young  naval  officer  and  states- 
man, Iberville  of  Quebec,  to  fit  out  an  expedition.  Lying  in  the 
port  of  Rochelle,  in  France,  fresh  from  English  victories^  pur- 
posing under  instructions  ,to  settle  New  France.  Iberville  and 
his  followers  confirmed  the  discovery  of  the  lower  Mississippi 
waters,  established  posts  at  Biloxi  and  Natchez,  then  founded 
in  1702,  Ft.  Louis  de  la  Mobile,  at  Twenty-Seven  Mile  Bluff, 
on  the  Alabam  river,  well  above  the  present  city  of  Mobile. 

Owing  to  the  overflows  from  the  river  and  the  unhealthy  con- 
ditions that  prevailed  the  colony  was  nine  years  later,  1711,  re- 
moved to  the  permanent  site.  Mobile  from  its  inception  was  the 
capital  of  the  vast  colonial  province  of  Louisiana,  covering  that 
area  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  south  of  Canada  and  west  of 
the  Mississippi  north  of  the  present  state  of  Texas,  to  the  Gulf. 

Through  our  play  “At  Old  Mobile,”  we  have  dared  to  awaken 
from  their  long  sleep,  those  men  and  women,  who  two  hundred 
years  ago  met  to  talk  with  or  pass  each  other  upon  the  espla- 
nade, that  “P/ace  Royal^*  that  stood  before  the  fort  of  cedar 
palisades. 

Our  play,  true  to  events  of  the  first  decade  of  the  life  of  the 
old  town,  is  meant  to  reflect  the  political  and  religious  rivalries, 
the  intrigues,  adventures,  the  romance — loves  and  hates  and  all 
the  human  emotions  that  stirred  the  hearts  and  gave  purpose 
to  the  actions  of  those  hardy  habitant of  our  beloved  state 
during  its  earlier  days.  I thank  you.  {Bowing,  Exit,) 


10 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


At  Old  Mobile 

At  rise  of  curtain  an  Indian  boy^  lying  on  his  back  on  the 

ground,  is  playing  a sad  tune  upon  a flute  of  reeds. 

Enter  Lieutenant  Blondel, 

Lieutenant  Blondel,  Ah,  you  are  sad,  Spanish  Wine.  What’s 
wrong? 

Spanish  Wine,  {Jumping  to  his  feet,  bowing  low,)  I grieve 
for  my  master. 

Lieutenant,  Bienville ! 

Spanish  Wine.  And  was  praying  to  the  sun  to  be  his  shield. 

Blondel,  {Laughing  lightly,)  Ah,  you  Sun  worshiping  savages, 

Spanish  Wine,  My  master  loves  the  Sun.  He  has  his  banner 
on  the  wall. 

Blondel.  {To  himself,)  That’s  a curious  fit  of  things.  ’Tis 
the  Sun  that  King  Louis  chooses  for  his  emblem.  {To  the 
hoy  who  has  softly  begun  his  sad  tun^  again,)  But  why  are 
you  troubled  about  your  Master,  boy? 

Spanish  Wine.  He  has  gone  to  war.  He’s  always  gone  to  war. 

Blondel.  Cheer  up  my  lad.  Governor  Bienville  will  have  no 
harm  befall  him.  He’s  protected  by  your  Sun  and  his  God^ 
to  say  nothing  of  his  own  good  sense. 

Bnter  Paillou. 

Paillou.  {He  is  intently  looking  on  the  ground  and  counting 
distance  as  he  steps  off  feet.)  Twenty-three,  twenty-six, 
Twenty-nine — 

Blondel.  {Standing  in  his  path,  not  seen  until  almost  stepped 
upon.  The  two  men  meet,  look  at  each  other  a moment^ 
Paillou  looks  up  in  surprise,  then  both  burst  out  laughing.) 
Well,  good  Engineer  Paillou,  do  you  take  me  for  a boun- 
dary line?  {Slapping  him  on  the  shoulder.)  And  are  you 
but  a measuring  rod? 

Paillou,  I was  stepping  off  the  length  of  the  fort  to  verify 
my  memory,  I’m  ordered  by  Governor  Bienville  to  build 
its  twin  upon  the  Mississippi  at  Ft.  Rosalie.  My  servant  has 
burned  the  old  plans. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


11 


Blondel,  Bienville  is  ever  trying  to  carry  on  the  unfiinished  work 
of  his  lamented  brother,  Iberville,  Was  ever  such  a family 
as  the  Le  Moynes? 

Paillou,  No  Frenchman  born  in  Paris  loves  more  the  lilies  and 
the  cross  than  these  Canadian  Frenchmen  of  Quebec.  Some- 
times I marvel  at  it. 

Blondel,  They  have  “pre-visioning  minds,”  as  dear  old  Tonti 
used  to  say.  Were  it  not  for  this  projection  of  the  future 
on  the  map  most  of  us  would  lose  heart  and  give  up  the 
colony. 

Paillou.  To  these  Ibervilles  and  Bienvilles  this  is  not  a lonely 
spot  subject  to  hurricanes  and  overflows,  but  it  is  “Mobile 
upon  the  Bay,  center  of  French  influence  for  trade  and  di- 
plomacy.” 

Blondel,  So  well  I remember  Iberville’s  reasons  for  the  choice. 
In  his  commanding  way,  a sort  of  Louis  Grande,  he  said: 
“Mobile  is  near  enough  to  Pensacola  to  keep  an  eye  on  the 
Spaniards;  near  enough  to  the  Mississippi  to  be  port  for 
the  valley  trade  which  will  come  through  the  bayous  and 
lakes,  and  the  Sound  behind  sheltered  Islands  to  Mobile 
Bay.  Easy  of  communication  by  the  Tombigbee  River  to  the 
northwest,  and  the  Alabama  River  to  the  northeast  to  give 
French  influence  among  the  strong  Choctaw,  Chickasaw  and 
Alabamon  Indians.  It  gives  access  over  the  mountains  in 
case  of  war,  to  the  English  colonies  of  Carolina  and  Virginia.’’ 
{Pause,)  A master  statesman  and  Naval  Commander  was 
Iberville,  old  Mobile’s  founder. 

Enter  Chateauguay, 

Paillau,  And  here’s  another  of  the  Le  Moynes.  Come  Chateau- 
guay— we  were  but  speaking  of  your  two  distinguished 
brothers,  Iberville  and  Bienville. 

Chateauguay,  {Lifting  his  hat  and  howin  in  French  po- 
liteness,)  Good  afternoon.  Lieutenant  Blondel.  Mobile 
welcomes  Dauphine’s  commandant.  {Bowing  to  Paillou,) 
Good  day.  Monsieur  Paillou.  {To  both,)  You  speak  of  my 


12 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


family,  God  loved  us  much  or  He  would  not  have  made 
so  many  of  the  style. 

BlondeL  Quite  true. 

Chateauguay,  There  are  fourteen  in  all,  one  girl.  My  father 
and  five  brothers  have  given  their  lives  for  France.  Iberville, 
as  you  know,  died  of  fever  at  Havana,  while  planning  a blow 
against  the  British  West  Indies. 

Blondel,  A record  to  be  proud  of.  Spanish  wine  {Pointing 
to  the  slave  who  has  laid  himself  down  on  the  ground  a bit 
away)  tells  me  Bienville  has  again  gone  on  the  war-path. 
At  Dauphine  Island  is  seldom  heard  the  news  until  its 
old,  at  least  a week. 

Chateauguay,  Since  Crozat  took  over  the  colony  for  its  trade 
and  Cadillac  was  made  Governor  in  Bienville’s  place  my 
brother  is  become  scarcely  more  than  a courier. 

Blondel  and  Paillou,  {Laughing  at  the  absurd  idea,) 

Blondel,  Bienville  can  be  nothing  less  than  master  here  no 
matter  who  holds  the  commission  as  Governor.  But  what 
war  is  this  the  boy  speaks  of? 

Chateauguay,  {Confidingly,)  It  is  no  war  between  our  men  and 
Indians,  but  some  clash  with  English  whites  and  savages. 
The  Apalachies  who  have  had  the  worst  of  it  are  being 
moved  by  Bienville  within  trade  reach  of  Mobile. 

Paillou,  Iberville’s  thought  again  to  surround  this  place  with 
hordes  of  Indians  who  could  trap  wild  skins,  and  farm  and 
buy  commerce  from  French  factories. 

Enter  a Sailor, 

Chateauguay,  Ho,  lad,  what’s  this?? 

Sailor,  I’ve  come  from  Dauphin  in  the  caiche  to  tell  you  that 
a ship’s  in  sight. 

All,  {With  great  surprise,)  A ship! 

Blondel,  It’s  been  a year  since  we’ve  had  a ship  from  France. 
Let’s  pray  this  one  brings  food  and  clothes.  Our  men  are 
dressed  in  rags. 

Chateauguay,  Come  friend,  let‘s  see  what’s  here.  {Exit,  except 
Spanish  Wine,) 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


13 


Enter  Father  Davion, 

(He  is  holding  in  his  hands  a prayer  hook.  Taking  his  seat  he 
reads  silently  a moment,  Spanish  Wine  begins  to  softly  play 
his  flute,) 

Father  Davion,  (Seeing  him  for  the  first  time,)  Com€  boy  and 
sit  by  me  on  this  bench.  I will  teach  you  of  the  love  of 
God. 

Spanish  Wine,  (Coming  forward  timidly,)  I am  but  a slave. 
(He  does  not  yet  take  the  seat  that  Father  Davion  has  made 
for  him.) 

Father  Davion,  (Drawing  the  hoy  down  beside  him^  gently,) 
We  are  brothers,  lad.  Christ  died  for  both. 

Spanish  Wine,  (With  growing  confidence,)  I’ve  been  baptized, 
but  the  Sun’s  my  god.  He  gives  me  light,  and  makes  it 
warm,  and  when  he’s  angry  hides  his  face  in  the  clouds.  If 
he  will  not  he  holds  oflP  rain,  and  if  he  will  he  sends  the 
floods.  Yes,  the  Sun’s  my  god.  (He  stands  and  lifts  his 
arms,) 

Father  Davion,  (Shaking  his  head,  sadly,  then  lifting  his  eyes 
to  heaven.)  Father  above,  give  patience  and  Thy  Holy  Love 
to  teach  these  children  of  the  night  thy  Sacred  Truths.  (To 
the  boy,)  And  if  you  are  not  a Christian  why  were  you  bap- 
ised? 

Spanish  Wine,  Seeing  I‘m  but  a slave  I could  not  help  myself. 
It  was  in  the  time  of  Cure  LaVente. 

Father  Davion,  (To  himself,)  This  is  wrong  and  hurts  the 
Faith. 

Enter  St,  Helene, 

St,  Helene,  (He  is  followed  by  a merry  crowd  of  light-hearted 
Frenchmen  and  some  Indians,  Some  carry  guns  and  rod, 
some  small  game,  others  follow  as  lookers  on.  Sweeping  his 
hat.)  Good  Father  Davion!  (Holding  up  his  string  of 
birds,)  We  shall  feast  today. 

Father  Davion,  It  is  Friday,  St.  Helene.  I’ll  eat  no  meat. 

St,  Helene,  (Shrugging  his  shoulders,  then  turning  to  a fol- 
lower.) Take  home  these  birds  and  see  that  the  fattest  of 


14 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


them  are  picked  and  broiled  in  butter  on  the  iron  spit.  {He 
shows  signs  of  relishing  the  thought,) 

[Exeunt^  except  8t,  Helene  and  Father  Davion,] 

Father  Davion,  (With  regret,)  St.  Helene,  you  have  no  more 
religion  than  that  savage  boy  that  worships  the  Sim. 

8t,  Helene^  {With  respect^  hut  lightly,)  Dear  Father  Davion. 
God  made  me  and  He  understands. 

Father  Davion,  That’s  what  all  sinners  say.  And  God  made 
the  law  that  says  that  men  must  control  their  mortal  ap- 
petites or  meet  just  punishment.  You  grieve  me  much  by 
your  careless  ways.  For  pride  of  kin  you  should  keep  the 
Faith  even  if  you  have  no  liking  for  yourself  or  love  of  God. 

8,t  Helene,  Bienville,  Chateauguay,  and  my  other  uncles  are 
the  real  Le  Moynes.  I’m  but  the  scapegrace  of  the  family. 

Father  Davion,  But  St.  Helene — 

St,  Helene.  Don’t  chide  me  Father  Davion.  I like  you  very 
much.  To  the  other  priests,  those  politicians  of  the  cloth,  I 
won’t  give  ear.  I hate  a hypocrite. 

Father  Davion,  It  has  been  told  me  that  when  you  went  to 
France  you  fell  in  with  bad  company  at  La  Rochelle,  that 
stronghold  of  disloyal  subjects  of  the  king  and  Church,  the 
Huguenots. 

8t  ,Helene.  For  once  you’ve  been  told  the  truth  by  spies  and 
liars  that  make  it  their  chief  concern  to  try  to  undermine 
Bienville  and  his  friends  and  family.  I did  fall  in  with 
Huguenots.  God  gave  us  two  eyes  to  see  everythng,  and  its 
that  Louis  ruling  both  State  and  Church  that  wisely  said: 
“He  gave  us  two  ears  to  listen  to  both  sides.”  {He  sits 
down  and  begins  to  clean  Ms  gun,) 

Father  Davion,  {His  hand  on  his  shoulder^  lovingly.)  Go  con- 
fess your  sins. 

8t,  Helene,  {Shrugging  his  shoulders,)  I’ll  have  no  holdings 
with  any  Faith  that  puts  a mortal  man  ’twixt  me  and  God. 
I don’t  pray  often,  Father,  but  when  I do  pray  my  poor 
petitions  go  straight  up,  not  circuited  by  confessional  and 
interceding  priests. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


15 


Father  Davion,  (Rising^  sternly,)  My  son,  my  son.  get  upon 
your  knees  and  expiate  with  prayer  your  most  unchurchly  and 
disloyal  words. 

8t,  Helene,  {Catching  his  hand,)  I’ll  kiss  your  hand  because 
I like  you  for  yourself.  {Kisses  his  hand,) 

Re-enter  Spanish  Wine, 

Spanish  Wine.  {He  is  playing  a gay  French  air  upon  his  fhite.) 

St,  Helene,  Ho,  boy!  What’s  happened  that  you’ve  changed 
your  tune? 

Spanish  Wine,  {Taking  his  flute  from  his  lips  only  long  enough 
to  answer  the  questions,)  My  Masters’  come!  {He  resumes 
his  music ^ dancing  outright,) 

St,  Helente,  Jean  Baptiste!  Bienville’s  come!  Come  Father  Da- 
vion,  lets  go  and  see  him  at  his  house.  {He  helps  the  priest 
to  his  feet^  and  with  his  arm  affectionately  about  his  shouU 
der  leads  him  off  right,) 

Father  Davion,  {Pleased  in  spite  of  himself^  shaking  a playful 
finger  of  reproach,)  You  are  a naughty  boy.  {Seriously,) 
But  I’ll  pray  for  you. 

[Exewnt  right,] 
Enter  Three  Indian  Chiefs, 

Three  Indian  Chiefs,  {They  enter  from  left^  in  single  file,  with 
great  gravity  and  take  their  seats  m a semi-circle  on  the 
ground.  Drollery  must  give  humor  to  the  scene,) 

First  Chief  {In  solemn  voice^  looking  up  at  the  skies,)  Ho- 
shen-ti-pilh-ki-ki. 

Second  Chief,  {Looking  up  at  the  clouds,)  Ma-she-li. 

Third  Chief,  {Looking  around  as  if  suspicious,)  Isht  albi  talali! 

Second  Chief,  {Rubbing  his  stomach,)  I — ^lim — ^pa. 

Third  Chief,  {As  if  drinking  from  a bottle,)  Oka  homi'. 

First  Chief,  I-ba-ta-kla. 

All  together,  {Chanting^  and  if  desired  by  director^  repeated 
several  times,)  We-ha-ni-ke  shap  in-wa-li  wek  ka-ni-ke. 

Enter  Other  Indians, 

{They  sit  down  on  the  ground  at  the  ends  of  the  semi-circle^  and 


16  ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 

all  begin  to  smoke  pipes.  For  a moment  there  is  dead  si- 
lence,) 

First  Chief.  (Rising  to  his  feet^  very  solemnly,)  Nux-shi-hi-la, 
(All  rise,  and  say  together,  **Nux-shi—hi~laf^  then  slowly  file 
out  right,  Several  Indian  Squaws  peep  in  and  join  the  pro^ 
cession,) 

[Exeunt,  A cannon  is  heard  saluting  the  ship,^ 

Enter  Some  Children, 

(They  run  on  from  right,  cross  stage  with  noisy  enthusiasm,  run- 
ning to  meet  the  ship,) 

First  boy.  The  Pelican ! A ship  from  France ! (A  general 
whoop,) 

Other  boys  and  girls,  (All  poorly  dressed,)  The  Pelican.  I’ll 
beat  you  to  the  quay. 

[Exeunt  running,'\ 

Enter  several  men,  roughly  dressed, 

(They  go  rapidly  along,  following  the  children,) 

First  Colonist,  I’ll  thank  God  upon  my  knees  if  the  Pelican 
brings  me  letters  from  home. 

Second  Colonist,  (He  catches  his  waistband  and  hitches  it  up,) 
Well,  the  most  I ask  is  a pair  of  new  breeches  and  galluses 
to  hold  them  up. 

[Exeunt,] 

Re-Enter  Indians, 

Indians,  (Owing  a war-whoop.)  Whisky  Whisky!  (Whoop,) 

[Exeunt  in  a rush,  left,] 
Enter  the  Cassette  Girls, 

Cassette  Girls,  (Twenty-three,  more  or  less  as  practicable  come 
from  left.  They  carry  little  trunk-shaped  suit  cases,  and 
walk  circumspectly  before  two  Conductresses,  Following 
them  with  curiosity,  and  coming  to  meet  them  with  eager 
hesitation  are  a number  of  poorly  dressed  woodsmen,  soV^ 
diers  and  sailors,) 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


17 


First  Orey  Lady,  (Stepping  to  the  front  and  speaking  to  the 
^ men  who  have  followed  them.)  These  girls  have  been  sent 
to  you  for  wives.  You  may  speak  with  them. 

All  the  men,  (They  rush  forward^  taking  the  hands  of  the  girls 
they  like^  or  bowing  awkwardly  before  them  or  advancing  as 
they  please^  but  with  too  much  eagerness,) 

Second  Orey  Lady,  The  Lady  Conductress  said  you  might  SPEAK 
with  the  girls,  not  MOB  them.  (She  pushes  the  men  back 
to  their  places  and  forms  the  girls  m a row  facing  the  men.) 
Now  girls,  you  may  tell  your  names  and  after  that  the  Col- 
onists may  be  properly  introduced. 

Oirl  at  head  of  row,  (Dropping  a curtsey,)  I’m  Francoise  Ma- 
rie Anne  de  Boiserenaud. 

A Sailor,  Call  it  Anne  for  short.  (The  girls  giggle,) 

A Soldier.  (Pushing  the  sailor  out  of  line  because  of  his  rude- 
ness,) 

Second  Girl,  Jeanne  Catherine  de  Beranhard.  (Curtsey,) 

Third  Girl,  Jeanne  Elizabeth  de  Pinteux.  (As  each  girl  there- 
after calls  her  name  she  makes  a polite  curtsey,) 

Fuorth  Oirl.  Marie  Noel  de  Mesnd. 

Fifth  Oirl,  Gabrielle  Savarit. 

Sixth  Oirl,  Genevive  Burel. 

Seventh  Oirl,  Margurite  Burel. 

Eighth  Girl  .Marie  Therese  Brochon. 

Ninth  Oirl,  Angeb'que  Brouyn. 

Tenth  Oirl,  Marie  Briard. 

Eleventh  Oirl,  Margarite  Tavernier. 

Twelfth  Oirl.  Elizabeth  Deshays. 

Thirteenth  Oirl,  Catherine  Christophle. 

Fourteenth  Oirl,  Catharine  Tournant. 

Fifteenth  Oirl,  Marie  Phillippe. 

Sixteenth  Oirl,  Louise  Margurite  Housseau. 

Seventeenth  Oirl,  Marie  Magdeline  Duanet. 

Eighteenth  Oirl,  Marie  Dufresne. 

Nineteenth  Oirl,  Margueriet  Guichard. 

Twentieth  Girl.  Renee  Gilbert. 


18 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Twenty-first  Girl.  Louise  Francoise  Lefevre. 

Twenty^second  Girl,  Gabrielle  Bonet. 

Twenty-third  Girl,  Julie  Beaujeau. 

Twenty-fourth  Girl,  Marie  Blanc. 

{There  is  another  rush  towards  the  girls ^ a general  scramble  en- 
suing  in  some  cases^  while  timid  advances  are  made  and  re- 
ceived in  others.  The  nuns  throw  up  their  hands  in  despair,) 

First  Soldier,  I’m  in  the  king’s  pay  and  have  a house.  {Takes  d 
girl.) 

Second  Soldier,  I’ve  saved  my  money  and  have  a cow  and  five 
hens.  {Takes  a girl  and  goes  of,) 

First  Woodsman,  I have  a house  on  the  bay  and  am  the  best 
hunter  in  Louisiana.  {Takes  the  girl  he  approaches  and 
goes  off,) 

Second  Woodsman,  {Whistling^  as  he  shines  up  to  a girl,) 
Whist!  But  you’re  a beauty,  can  you  cook  and  milk  the 
cows? 

The  Girl,  I can  cook,  and  you  can  teach  me  to  milk  the  cow. 

{As  the  men  select  the  girl  that  pleases  them  they  state  wUat 
they  have  to  offer^  especially  in  the  way  of  trades^  such  asi 
"7’m  a fur  trader^*  *Tm  a carpenter”  "7  have  a brick-kiln” 
"7  have  a tar  kiln^*  etc.  The  action  must  all  be  swift  and 
full  of  good  feeling.) 

Julie  Beaujeau,  {Who  has  hidden  behind  the  grey  ladies^  af- 
ter refusing  all  of  the  men  who  tried  to  woo  her,)  What  a 
crowd  of  clowns! 

First  Gray  Lady,  {Taking  hold  of  her  firmly,)  Julie  Beaujeau, 
what  do  you  mean  by  refusing  to  take  a husband?  These 
are  fine  fellows,  if  poorly  clad.  Hardy  heroes  all  of  them! 
I will  tell  Governor  Bienville  of  this,  and  that  at  once. 
Come!  {She  pulls  her  along  roughly.) 

Marie  Blanc,  {Made  up  to  represent  a very  homely  face^  the 
only  one  of  the  girls  that  has  had  no  offer  of  marriage.  She 
begins  to  cry,) 

Second  Grey  Lady,  What  ails  you,  Marie? 


AT  OLD  MOBILE.  19 

Marie,  (Sobbing  between  words,)  None — of — ^^them — wanted — 
me! 

Second  Orey  Lady,  Don’t  cry.  There  are  some  men  coming  from 
up  the  river. 

Marie,  They  won’t — want  me — either.  I’m  so  ugly,  (Howls  of 
distress,) 

Enter  Pierre, 

Pierre,  (He  is  very  ugly  too^  and  roughly  dressed.  He  has  a 
gun.  Taking  off  his  fur  cap  shyly,  and  speaking  to  the 
Orey  Lady,)  Madam:  (Bowing,)  Am  I too  late  to  get  a 

wife? 

Grey  Lady,  Two  are  left.  One  who  thinks  herself  too  fine  for 
pioneers,  and  this  good  girl,  (She  turns  Marie  around  and 
lifts  her  tear-stained  face  with  kindly  touch,) 

Pierre,  (To  Marie,)  I’ll  choose  you  if  you’ll  look  at  me  with 
kindness. 

Marie,  (Looking  at  him  a moment,  then  taking  his  outstretched 
hand,)  God  made  us  both, 

Pierre,  (Tenderly  drying  her  eyes  with  his  red  pocket  hand- 
kerchief,) You  see  what  he  did  to  me.  I’m  about  his  worst 
job. 

Grey  Lady,  (Tip-toes  out,) 

Marie,  (Smiling  kindly  up  to  Pierre,)  For  what  he  did  to  our 
faces  He  must  have  given  us  very  kind  hearts. 

Pierre,  (Confidingly,)  I’ve  had  a hard  life  and  want  nothing 
else  so  much  as  love. 

Marie,  (They  claps  both  hands,)  If  you  be  good  to  me  I’ll 
work  my  fingers  to  the  bone.  I want  love,  too. 

Pierre,  (With  growing  cheerfulness,)  I own  two  slaves  from 
San  Domingo.  Life  for  you  won’t  be  hard.  You’ll  need  only 
to  teach  my  Negro  cook  to  make  French  dishes.  I’m  weary 
of  corn  pone. 

Marie,  And  that  I will.  I’m  a first  rate  cook. 

Pierre,  (Putting  his  arm  around  her  waist,)  Then  let’s  go  to 


20 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


the  priest’s  house  and  be  married  straight  away.  I want 
to  catch  the  tide  up  stream  in  my  bateau. 

[They  go  out  talking  and  laughing  happily,] 
Enter  Jacques, 

{He  too  is  dressed  roughly^  is  unshaven  and  very  disorderly  in 
appearance  and  manner.  Seeing  Pierre  and  Marie  going  off 
lovingly  together  he  bursts  out  laughing  behind  their  backs. 
Seeing  some  one  approaching  he  straightens  up  and  begins 
to  scowl) 

Here  comes  the  master  of  us  all,  Bienville! 

Enter  Bienville, 

Bienville,  Ah,  Jacques!  So  you’re  home  again. 

Jacques,  (Saluting,)  Yes,  Governor. 

Bienville,  You’ve  come  out  of  the  woods  to  get  a wife,  eh?  The 
news  has  sped  with  amazing  swiftness. 

Jacques,  Some  Indians  went  out  in  boats  to  the  Pelican  last 
night  and  brought  the  news.  Its  well  up  to  the  Tombigbee 
by  now. 

Bienville,  (Laughing  indulgentlq,)  I’m  sorry,  but  you’ve  come 
too  late.  The  last  girl  is  at  this  moment  taking  the  mar- 
riage vows  with  Pierre  La  Pre. 

Enter  First  Grey  Lady, 

Grey  Lady,  (She  is  bowing  and  scraping  to  Bienville,) 

Bienville,  Well,  Madam,  what  is  your  pleasure? 

Grey  Lady,  It  is  a duty  and  not  a pleasure  that  brings  me  be- 
fore your  excellency.  (Bowing  and  scraping,) 

Bienville,  (Embarrassed  by  such  court  manners,)  Ahem!  Ma- 
dam, in  the  Province  we  go  directly  to  the  point. 

Grey  Lady,  Then,  Sir,  I have  to  report  that  one  of  the  Cas- 
sette girls,  as  your  soldiers  are  pleased  to  call  my  charges, 
because  of  the  trunks  they  brought  their  apparel  in — 

Bienville,  (Interrupting,)  Well,  I hope  she  is  not  ilL 

Grey  Lady,  Her  behaviour  is  most  con-tu-ma-cious ! 

Bienville,  (Laughing,)  Our  husbands  do  not  please  her,  eh? 

Grey  Lady,  I feared  you’d  be  offended. 

Bienville,  Send  the  D’Moselle  to  me. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


21 


Orey  Lady,  {Bowing  herself  out  backwards,) 

Jacques,  {Giggles  behind  his  hand,) 

Bienville,  {Turning  to  him  quickly,)  I’m  glad  to  catch  you  in 
such  good  humor,  for  I have  a berating  for  you. 

Jacques,  {At  once  in  his  former  ill  mood,)  What  have  I done? 

Bienville,  {Motioning  him  to  be  seated  beside  him,) 

Jacques,  {Morosely,)  I’ll  lose  my  chance  of  winning  that  con- 
tumatious  maid  if  I tarry  here.  There’s  but  one  left. 

Bienville,  As  the  girl’s  so  fastidious  I recommend  you  to  re- 
tire into  the  barracks  and  negotiate  a bath,  a shave  and  a 
cleaner  shirt  withal. 

Jacques,  If  I always  staid  within  the  post,  as  some  of  your 
favorites  do,  I’d  be  well  acquainted  with  these  women’s 
tricks. 

Biewville,  {Firmly.)  But  with  poorer  chance  of  meeting  with 
our  enemies. 

Jacques,  {Startled,)  You  mean — 

Bienville,  The  English,  and  you  will. 

Jacques,  {Frightened,)  ’Tis  false.  I’ve  been  to  Ft.  Rosalie. 

Bienville,  {Calmly,)  And  that’s  both  false  and  true.  You’ve 
been  to  our  Mississippi  fort — but.  {HU  eyes  on  Jacques 
accusingly)^  by  way  of  the  English  trading  post  a hundred 
miles  out  of  your  natural  course. 

Jacques,  {Angrily.)  You’re  falsely  told! 

Bienville,  But  I never  falsely  see.  I followed  you. 

Jacques,  You  spied  on  me? 

Bienville,  “Spied”  is  an  ugly  word,  friend  Jacques.  When  a 
member  of  the  colony  is  accused  secretly,  I take  the  pains 
of  proving  to  myself  his  guilt  or  innocence.  I’ve  learned  this 
lesson  of  justice  from  the  conspiracies  that  have  been  work- 
ed against  me. 

Jacques,  And  you  gave  it  out  you’d  gone  to  Indian  wars. 

Bienville,  If  there  are  traitors  in  the  camp  then  I must  know 
it  for  the  sake  of  France.  I brought  you  here,  at  the  re- 
quest of  your  family  who’d  wearied  of  your  crooked  ways 
at  home. 


22  ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 

Jacques.  I wanted  liberty, 

Bienville,  Liberty  is  for  stronger  men.  Weaklings  never  thrive 
upon  it.  They  see  but  license,  and  you  have  failed  the  test. 
But  go  and  prepare  yourself  to  meet  this  girl. 
You’re  of  good  blood  and  with  a woman’s  help  may  walk 
upright  again. 

[Exit  Jacques  to  left,] 
Enter  Julie  Beaujeau, 

Julie  Beaujeau,  (She  courtesies  to  Bienville,)  I’m  Julie  Beau- 
jeau. 

Bienville.  (Rising  and  bowing  to  her  'politely,)  I’m  Bienville. 
You”ve  been  reported  by  the  Conductress  as  “Contumacious.’^ 
That’s  a word  familiar  to  my  ears. 

Julie.  I don’t  want  to  marry  your  trappers  and  brick  masons,  or 
woodrangers  either,  Sir. 

Bienville.  Thought  you  to  find  silken  clothes  and  idle  courtiers 
here?  This  is  a man’s  land,  a wild,  savage,  hardy  land.  Had 
you  a mind  for  softer  things  you  should  have  staid  in 
France. 

Julie.  (Startled^  and  pouting  prettily.)  Goodness,  how  you 
scold ! 

Bienville.  You  need  a scolding,  M’Moiselle.  King  Louis  did  not 
send  you  to  Mobile  upon  a pleasure  jaunt. 

Julie.  (Coquettishly,)  And  think  you  so  ill  of  marriage? 

Bienville.  (Laughing  in  spite  of  himself.)  I remain  a bache- 
lor. But  to  the  business  of  the  hour.  The  King — 

Julie.  (Interrupting.)  Pardon.  The  king’s  will  was  that  the 
girls  he  sent  for  wives  should  not  be  constrained  to  marry 
against  their  pleasure.  ’Twas  thus  the  order  read. 

Bienville.  (Shrugs  his  shoulders  as  if  not  knowing  what  to  do.) 
I’m  used  to  handling  only  men! 

Julie,  ’Tis  true  that  I’m  a pensioner  of  the  king  but  also  I am  I. 

Bienville.  Ho,  Ho! 

Julie.  (With  rising  spirit.)  And  king,  nor  priest,  nor  Gov- 
ernor-can make  me  wife  to  whom  he  will,  (She  turns  to  go.) 

Bienville,  (Detaining  her^  his  hand  lightly  upon  her  shoulder. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


23 


She  faces  him  a bit  afraid,)  We  will  speak  further  of  this 
matter  M’Moselle  Beaujeau.  (Points  to  seat.  They  sit  down,) 
You  came  from  Paris?? 

Julie,  (More  meekly,)  From  an  orphanage  of  charity  connected 
with  St.  Cyr. 

Bienville,  Who  has  the  Church  for  parent  is  not  orphaned,  nor 
feeds  on  beggars  bread.  Your  earthy  father,  who  was  he? 

Julie,  I know  naught  of  him  save  that  he  served  the  king  at 
sea  and  lost  his  life  in  a battle  with  Iberville  against  the 
English  off  Canada.  This  means  one  of  the  nuns 
told  me  at  St.  Cyr.  Then  she  sealed  her  lips. 

Bienville,  And  your  mother — 

Julie,  (Sadly.)  That  is  a sorry  tale.  She  was  a Huguenot,  and 
for  her  conscience  would  not  be  married  by  the  priest.  For 
this  they  took  me  from  her  and  gave  me  to  the  Church, 
I was  put  in  cloistered  school. 

Bienville,  (Puzzled,)  Since  the  Church  in  France  is  ruled  by 
State — (He  inter ru/pts  himself  as  if  fearing  an  indiscretion,) 
I can  say  no  more. 

Julie,  (Springing  up,)  This  injury  has  made  a rebel  of  me! 

Bienville,  Rebel? 

Julie,  That  is  why  I ran  away. 

Bienville,  What,  ran  away? 

Julie,  (Putting  her  hand  over  her  mouth,) 

Bienville,  (Walking  about  disturbed.) 

Julie,  (Pleadingly,)  Good  Governor  Bienville.  You  will  not 
send  me  back  to  France? 

Bienville.  This  country  is  best  suited  for  strong  men. 

Julie,  My  father  was  a man,  Sieur  Bienville,  and  if  your  brother 
were  alive  he’d  tell  you  he  was  brave  and  died  for  France. 
I’m  no  rebel  as  to  France. 

Enter  a Soldier, 

Soldier,  (Saluting,) 

Bienville,  (Returning  the  salute,) 

Soldier,  The  Commissary  presents  his  compliments  and  asks  you 
to  confer  with  him  within  the  fort. 


24 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Biewille,  Upon  what  matter? 

Soldier  The  stores  that  have  come  upon  the  Pelican. 

[salute,  exit,\ 

Bienville,  {Bowing  to  Julie,)  Pardon.  I leave  you  here  to 
contemplate. 

[Exit  right, \ 

Re-enter  Jacques, 

Jacques,  {Much  im/proved  in  appearance.  He  comes  upon  the 
scene  just  as  Bienville  is  making  his  adieux.  He  and  Bien- 
ville saluate  each  other  as  they  pass,  Bienville  indicates  he 
may  speak  with  Julie,  He  steals  up  to  her.  She  is  seated, 
her  eyes  hidden  by  her  hands,  in  deep  thought.  He  touches 
her  hair  with  impudent  admiration,) 

Julie,  {Springing  up  alarmed,)  Oh,  Oh!  {She  starts  to  run 
towards  the  fort,  right.) 

Jacques,  {Catching  her,)  Not  so  fast,  sweet  witch,  not  so  fast. 

Julie,  {Struggling,)  Let  me  pass. 

Jacques,  You’re  brought  to  marry  Louis^  Frenchmen  in  the 
colony.  I’m  one  of  these  and  want  you  for  my  wife. 

Julie,  {Still  struggling.)  You  suit  me  not. 

Jacques,  You  suit  me  passing  well.  I am  a gentleman  by  pedi- 
gree. 

Julie,  That  is  naught  to  me.  {Tries  to  pass.) 

Enter  St,  Helene, 

St,  Helene,  {He  stands  watching  the  contest  a while,  his  anger 
overcoming  his  mirth,) 

Jacques,  This  is  a wild  man’s  land.  {He  takes  hold  of  her,) 

Julie,  You’ve  been  drinking — 

Jacques,  From  a goblet,  yes.  But  now  I’ll  drink  from  your  ruby 
lips.  {He  seizes  her  and  is  about  to  kiss  her  forcibly,) 

St,  Helene,  {Knocks  Jacques  down,)  You  renegade! 

Julie,  {Running  to  his  side,)  Oh,  I am  sore  afraid ! {She  holds 
to  his  arm,) 

St,  Helene,  {To  Jacques.)  Get  to  your  feet  if  you  be  a man, 
and  if  the  snake  I take  you  for,  then  crawl  into  the  woods. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


25 


Jacques,  {Rising^  rubbing  his  jaw^  scowling,)  You  will  pay  for 
this. 

8t,  Helene,  {Lightly,)  Then  that  will  be  one  of  my  debts  I’ll 
pay  with  pleasure. 

Jacques,  {Goes  off  right ^ threatening  and  muttering,) 

8t,  Helene.  {Bowing  low  to  Julie.)  Pardon.  I’m  St.  Helene, 
Bienville’s  scapegrace  nephew,  an  you  will. 

Julie.  {Curtseying.)  Monsieur, T’m  Julie  Beaujeau.  I ran  away 
from  the  Convent  of  St.  Cyr. 

8t,  Helene,  {With  warmth,)  If  you  be  a rebel  we’re  kindred 
souls. 

Julie.  I only  rebel  against  injustice. 

8t,  Helene,  This  is  a large  country,  M’Mselle  Beaujeau.  Many 
strange  things  inhabit  it.  Perhaps  Justice  may  be  amongst 
the  rest.  But  what  brought  you  here?? 

Julie,  {Airily,)  I came  a husband  hunting,  Sir.  {Curtsey,) 

8t,  Helene,  {Preening  himself,)  Ah,  Ha!  {He  indicates  a seat. 
They  sit  down,)  Have  you  found  the  game? 

Julie,  {Flirting,)  My  eyes  have  lit  upon  him. 

8t,  Helene,  {Responding  in  kind,)  And  has  he  black  or  bluish 
eyes? 

Julie,  {Looking  into  his  eyes.)  I think  they’re  black. 

{They  laugh  happily  as  children  playing  a game.) 

8t.  Helene.  But  seriously.  What  dream  of  lover  have  you  in 
mind? 

Julie.  And  that  I will  not  tell,  but  only  this — :he  must  love  lib- 
erty of  his  thoughts  as  well  as  of  his  actions. 

8t,  Helene.  {8urprised.)  Where  got  you  this  idea,  a convent 
girl  of  St.  Cyr? 

Julie.  {Looking  around  to  see  who  might  hear,  then  confidently.) 
There  was  a nun,  put  there  by  force,  by  order  of  the  Car- 
dinal. Like  my  parents,  she  was  a Huguenot.  Like  them 
her  marriage  was  annulled  and  her  estates  were  confiscated 
to  the  Church  and  France.  She  taught  me  much,  most  secret- 
ly, of  the  liberty  of  conscience. 


26 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


St,  Helene,  {With  greater  earnestness.)  Besides  this  precious 
freedom  there’s  something  of  moment  over  the  whole  world. 
Men  call  it  love.  Did  the  Sister  teach  you  also  of  that? 

Julie,  The  girls  talked  much  of  love. 

St,  Helene,  {Seeing  a rose  in  her  hair^  he  touches  it.)  Roses 
were  made  for  women’s  hair.  {Seeing  her  blushes  and  em- 
barrassment.) And  maiden’s  cheeks. 

Julie,  {Drawing  away  to  the  far  end  of  the  seat.)  Be  not  so 
bold. 

St,  Helene,  My  soldier’s  calling  has  made  me  bold.  {He  draws 
near  to  her.)  And  wives  are  scarce.  Will  you  be  mine? 

Julie,  {Looking  at  him,  'pleased,  but  reproachfully,)  Your 
thoughts  move  swiftly,  St.  Helene. 

St,  Helene,  As  my  love  does.  {He  takes  her  in  his  arms  and 
kisss  her,) 

Enter  D*Artaguette, 

D^Artaguette,  {Seeing  what  is  going  on  he  politely  hides  his 
eyes,) 

Julie.  {Seeing  D*Artaguette  over  Helene*  s shoulder  draws 
away,)  Oh ! 

St,  Helene,  {Rising,)  ’Tis  D’Artaguette.  ( He  goes  eagerly 
forward  and  ernbraces  him.)  Welcome  home  from  France. 

D*Artaguette,  Good  St.  Helene.  I find  you  well  employed. 

St,  Helene.  Julie!  {He  beckons  her  to  come,  and  they  meet 
her.)  My  promised  wife,  M’Mselle  Beaujeau. 

A*Artaguette,  {Bowing  over  her  hand,)  M’Mselle.  Felicita- 
tions. {To  St,  Helene,)  We  came  together  upon  the  Peli- 
can. 

St,  Helene,  Quite  so.  Tell  me  the  news.  What’s  taking  place 
across  the  seas?  We’ve  missed  you  this  long  time 

D*Artaguette,  I’ve  come  upon  the  esplanade  to  have  a private 
word  or  two  with  Bienville.  I see  him  now. 

Enter  Bienville, 

Julie,  Pardon.  {She  bows  and  is  passing  out.  To  Bienville,) 
Monsieur ! 

D*Artaguette.  {Botcing  low,)  Good  afternoon. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


27 


Bienville,  (To  Julie,)  What  came  of  your  contemplations? 

JuUe.  A husband,  Sir,  (She  runs  out  abashed,) 

St,  Helene,  (He  stands  watching  the  girl^  unconscious  of  the 
others.  Then  he  starts  to  follow  her,) 

Bienville,  (Detaining  him,)  I wish  you  here.  (Indicating  seat. 
They  sit,)  Now  D’Artaguette,  speak  up.  You  went  to 
France  at  your  own  offer  to  defend  my  conduct  of  the  col- 
ony. What  does  the  court  and  cabinet  think  of  Louisiana 
and  of  our  capital,  Mobile?  But  tell  me  first  of  France. 
(He  lights  a cigar  with  a pocket  flint,) 

D^Artaguette,  France  is  falling  into  a low  state  at  home.  King 
Louis  is  no  langer  the  “Grand  Monarch,”  but  a doting  old 
man  who  is  used  by  crafty  courtiers  to  achieve  their  own 
small  ends.  Our  wars  with  England  and  with  Spain  have  re- 
duced the  navy,  until  England  justly  claims  the  mastery  of 
the  seas.  French  manufacturers  have  been  deported  or  put  in 
galleys  or  hanged  for  naught.  Some  escaped  to  enrich  our 
enemies. 

Bienville,  Hanged  and  deported,  why? 

D*Artaguette,  For  trfling  faults.  Some  think  they  are  accused 
for  the  property  they  have  that  goes  into  the  general  treas- 
ury when  they  are  dead  or  fled. 

Bienville,  France  depends  upon  her  lands.  Her  farming^  men — 

D* Artaguette,  They  are  forcibly  put  into  the  army  which  is  so 
thinned  by  war  that  it  must  be  strengthened  at  any  cost. 

Bienville,  (Again  sadly,)  Alas,  poor  France. 

D*Artaguette,  The  people  writhe  beneath  their  load.  They  must 
either  throw  it  off  or  yield  to  their  destruction  and  the  de- 
struction of  all  thir  colonies. 

St,  Helene,  (With  eagerness,)  So  said  I when  I went  to 
France.  The  state  is  rotten  from  the  throne  to  the  lowest 
civil  officer  that  spies  or  grafts. 

Bienville,  (Lifting  his  head  in  protest,)  Speak  not  so  loud. 
Nor  presume  because  I am  your  uncle.  I’ll  brook  no  dis- 
loyal speech  from  any  man  that  wears  the  uniform  or  is 


28 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


sheltered  by  the  flag  of  France.  In  this  colony,  in  absence 
of  Cadillac,  I represent  the  king. 

8t,  Helene,  {Taking  the  rebuke  with  boyish  laughter,)  Ah, 
Jean,  I love  you  much,  but  also  I love  Liberty. 

Bienville.  (Walking  about  ^perturbed.)  That  is  a word  I l^ar 
too  much  nowadays — Liberty.  It  leads  to  license,  to  Revolu- 
tion and  that  to  ruin. 

8t.  Helene,  The  surgeon  cuts  from  the  body  the  putrifying  arm 
or  leg. 

Bienville,  Yes,  but  not  the  heart.  Allegiance  to  the  king — that 
is  the  heart. 

8t,  Helene,  Free  speech  I’ll  have.  If  I can  get  it  not  under 
the  flag  of  France  I’ll  go  to  Okfusgee  and  take  oath  to  the 
English  Jack.  There’s  a people  who  know  what  Liberty 
means. 

Bienville,  Fie,  fie,  impulsive  boy.  (To  D^Artaguette,) 

And  what  found  you  they  thought  of  us  at  court? 

D'Artaguette,  And  now  I must,  like  St.  Helene,  ask  for  free 
speech. 

Bienivlle.  Speak  freely. 

D*Artaguette,  They  thought  ill,  unfriendly  and  unjust  thoughts. 

Bienville,  The  priest,  LaVente,  had  had  his  say. 

D^Artaguette.  And  caught  the  ear  of  Count  Pantchartrain,  and 
others  in  authority  at  the  Department  of  the  Marine  under 
which  the  colony  of  Louisiana  is  operated 

8t.  Helene,  (With  disgust,)  La  Vente!  He  liked  it  not  that 
Jean  Baptiste  would  not  be  led  by  him  nor  his  order  of  the 
Recollects.  These  jealousies  amongst  the  priests,  to  see 
whose  order  shall  have  greatest  power — it  makes  me  ill. 

Bienville,  What  said  LaVente? 

D^Artaguette,  Because  you  were  the  keeper  of  the  king’s  seal, 
and  held  the  purse  and  doled  the  stores,  he  liked  it  not  at 
all.  “Too  much  power  used  with  tyranny.” 

Bienville,  Umph-hu.  (Nodding,)  What  more? 

D^Artaguette,  There  was  the  matter  of  the  the  Indian  scalps, 
the  Alibamons,  that  you  bought,  “like  pelts.” 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


29 


Bienville,  It  was  a question  of  ours  or  theirs.  Say  on.  Say  on. 

D*Artaguette.  And  you  let  strong  drink  be  sold  to  the  savages. 

Bienville,  Said  they  nothing  good  in  their  reports? 

D'Artaguette,  That  you  were  a Canadian — 

Bienville,  And  gather  about  me  a clique  of  Canadians.  {Laugh- 
ingly,) 

D'Artaguette,  That  you  were  partial  to  the  Jesuits,  but  a mas- 
ter hand  at  managing  the  savages  whose  barbarous  tongues 
you  sensed  as  hound  his  quarry. 

Bienville,  And  La  Vente  said  this? 

D^Artaguette,  That  you  were  spendthrift  of  his  majesty’s  hos- 
pitality and  fed  visitors  with  what  should  feed  the  soldiers 
and  the  colonists. 

8t,  Helene,  {Angrily,)  And  did  not  tell,  perchance,  that  Jean 
is  poorly  paid  and  that  uncertainly,  and  that  he  must,  be- 
cause of  the  honor  of  the  king,  be  host  to  the  officers  of 
Spain,  of  missionaries,  to  strangers,  and  feed  and  entertain 
tribes  of  chiefs  and  their  councilors  and  squaws,  as  have  just 
come  to  the  fort  for  a conference.  Ah,  ha!  La  Vente! 

D'Artaguette,  He  was  a priest  and  had  the  ear  of  the  Churchly 
side  at  court. 

8t,  Helene,  La  Vente  a priest!  A cassock  is  no  more  sign  of 
priestly  piety  than  a wig  is  pledge  of  hair.. 

Bienville.  {To  8t,  Helene,)  Give  not  wholesale  'censure  of 
the  cloth.  Remember  how  the  missionaries  are  facing  every 
danger  in  these  wilds  because  of  Love  for  Christ. 

D’Artaguette,  And  there  was  more, 

Biewville,  Well,  lets  hear  it  all.  The  report  is  filed  for  all 
the  future. 

D^Artaguette,  La  Vente  ' declared  that  you  used  the  king’s 
stores  for  your  own  profit,  accused  you  of  allowing  the  sol- 
diers to  freely  consort  with  savages,  your  military  discipline 
is  lax. 

St,  Helene,  {With  indignation,)  If  our  soldiers  had  not  been 
billeted  with  the  Indians  we  would  have  starved  while  wait- 
ing food  from  France.  And  there  sits  Jean,  Sieur  Bienville, 


30 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


calmly  smoking  like  any  stoic  Indian  Chief,  unmoved  by  all 
these  injuries.  {To  Bienville,)  Why  don’t  you  defend  your- 
self against  these  false  charges  made  at  court? 

Bienville,  {Calmly,)  When  the  waves  beat  against  the  rock, 
its  the  waves  that  break. 

D^Artaguette.  {Clapping  his  hands,)  Well  said,  Jean  Baptiste. 
{Sadly,)  But  alas,  poor  France! 

Bienville,  {With  vigorous  earnest^  rising,)  Kings  may  live,  and 
epochs  pass,  but  well  I know  within  my  soul,  there  are  eter- 
nal well-springs  in  the  heart  of  France  that  never  will  run 
dry. 

D^Artaguette,  {Wringing  BienvilWs  hand,)  Bravo!  Before  I 
left  the  Court  I set  you  right  before  the  king.  He’s  not 
ungrateful,  either. 

{A  noise  of  talking  and  laughing  is  heard  to  right,) 

St,  Helene,  {His  mood  suddenly  changed  to  one  of  merriment. 
Striking  a posture  of  expectancy,)  Behold!  Here  comes  our 
brother  Chateauguay  and  his  wife. 

D^Artaguete,  And  a goodly  following. 

Enter  Chateauguay  and  Madam  Chateauguay, 

{They  are  followed  by  a merry  crowd  of  friends  and  lookers  on.} 

Bienville,  {Looking  at  Madam  Chateauguay  with  wonder,) 
What  have  we  here? 

Madame  Chateauguay,  {She  walks  up  and  down^  to  he  inspected 
and  admired^  having  much  air^  and  feeling  important,)  The 
latest  mode  from  Paris.  It  came  with  other  new  finery  on 
the  Pelican, 

St,  Helene,  {Unable  to  control  his  mirth  bursts  into  merry 
laughter,) 

Enter  Boisbriant, 

Bienville,  Ho,  Boisbriant ! Come  look  upon  the  splendor  of 
the  court. 

Boisbriant,  {To  Madam  Chateauguay,)  Resplendent!  {To  Bi- 
enville,) The  Pelican  brought  over  more  good  things  than 
feathers  and  new  clothes. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


31 


Chateauguay,  I notice,  friend,  that  your  taste  runs  to  grey 
habits. 

St,  Helene,  And  I hear  that  the  Conductresses,  while  clothed 
as  nuns,  have  no  vows  as  celebates. 

ChateaugtMy.  (His  finger  to  his  lips,)  Ssh!  See  not  too  much. 

Boisbriant,  (To  Bienville.)  A message  has  come  from  Cadil- 
lac. 

Chateauguay,  (Laughing,)  What,  ho!  Has  he  enough  of  Illi- 
nois and  his  false  quest  for  gold.  (All  laugh,) 

Boisbriant,  The  rumor  is,  and  came  upon  the  Pelican,  that 
Crozat  has  enough  of  his  lease  of  the  colony  for  trade.  He’s 
given  up  his  prize. 

Chateauguay,  Poor  merchant  prince!  No  doubt  he’d  like  to 
have  again  the  eighty  thousand  dollars  worth  of  goods  he’s 
bartered  at  gerat  loss.  (To  Boisbriant,)  Whom  does  ru- 
mor say  will  succeed  his  agent  here,  our  Governor  Cadillac? 

Boisbriant,  A former  and  our  natural  leader,  Jean  Baptiste  Bi- 
enville, Sieur  Le  Moyne. 

All,  (Lusty  cheers.)  Bienville!  Bienville. 

Bienville,  (Bowing  acknowledgments ,)  It  is  not  seemly  that  we 
speculate  upon  the  king’s  good  pleasure.  We  will  wait  and 
see  what’s  in  the  sealed  packet  of  state  that’s  come  to  Cadil- 
lac from  his  employer,  Monsieur  Crozat.  I fancy  he’ll  be 
returning  soon  to  Mobile.  Ah,  Cadillac! 

Enter  Cadillac, 

(All  gather  about  the  returned  traveler  and  shake  his  hands  with 
friendliness.) 

Cadillac,  I have  good  news  for  you  colonists.  I’m  going  back 
to  France. 

Bienville.  Oh,  not  good  news.  Monsieur  Governor.  (They  talk 
together,) 

St,  Helene,  (Exit,) 

Madam  Chateauguay,  (To  her  husband,)  And  lets  hope  he’ll 
take  his  wife  and  troop  of  family  out  of  our  house..  I’m 
weary  living  in  a shack  when  we  own  the  best  in  town,  a 
good  two  story  house. 


3^ 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Chateauguay,  (Pacifying  her,)  In  the  name  of  hospitality. 

Madam  Chateauguay,  We  were  ordered  out  of  our  own  house 
for  Cadillac’s  convenience.  I mean  it  when  I say  I‘m  glad 
he’s  going  back  to  France.  {Crossing  to  Cadillac,  Her  man-- 
ner  changing,)  Must  you  go? 

Cadillac,  (Kising  her  hand.)  Madam,  with  deep  regret. 

Madam  Chateauguay,  Do  give  my  love  to  your  charming  wife 
and  those  fascinating  daughters.  I’ll  call  tomorrow  and  ar- 
range to  have  them  with  me  for  a cup  of  sassafras  tea. 

Re-enter  Spanish  Wine, 

Spanish  Wine,  {Bowing  servilly  to  Bienville,)  Captain  St.  De- 
nis has  brought  a squaw. 

Enter  St,  Denis  and  Wife, 

St,  Denis,  Messers!  Mesdames!  {He  bows  to  every  side.  The 
men  go  forward  and  shake  his  hand,) 

St,  Denis,  I’m  back  from  Mexico  with  no  luck  with  trade. 

All,  Oh,  ah,  too  bad. 

St,  Denis,  {Leading  his  wife  forward  to  Cadillac  and  Bienville, 
the  others  gathering  near,)  But  I’ve  brought  a wife. 

All,  {Bowing,  the  two  Governor's  kissing  her  hand,) 

Bienville,  {To  St,  Denis,)  A better  fortune  than  if  you’d  sold 
a thousand  bales  of  merchandise. 

St,  Denis,  I got  in  jail  for  it  too.  Her  father  didn’t  take  a 
fancy  to  a French  son-in-law,  seeing  how  he  is  a Spaniard, 
and  we’ve  just  been  at  war 

Madam  Chateauguay,  {Sentimentally,)  Love  will  find  a way. 
{To  Madam  St,  Denis,)  I hope  you  can  tell  fortunes,  many 
Spaniards  can. 

Madam  St,  Denis,  My  Gypsy  nurse  taught  me  how. 

Madam  Chateauguay,  {To  all,)  She  can  tell  fortunes.  Come 
Jean  Baptiste,  and  let  Madam  St.  Denis  tell  us  if  you’re 
to  be — ahem — the  new  Governor  to  succeed  Monsieur  Cadil- 
lac. 

Bienville.  {Giving  his  palm  to  Madam  St,  Denis,)  Lift  up  the 
veil  of  time. 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


33 


Madam  St,  Denis,  (Reading  his  palm.)  Yes,  you  will  be  Gov- 
ernor again,  but  not  to  remain  long  in  Mobile.  You  will  es- 
tablish a city  on  the  banks  of  a mighty  river,  a greater  city 
than  Paris  is  today. 

Bienville,  A Paris  in  New  France!  My  dream  city,  New  Or- 
leans. 

Madam  St,  Denis,  (Still  reading  his  palm,)  There  is  a long 
life  before  you  and  your  place  in  history  will  be  greater  than 
you’ve  ever  dreamed.  But  you  will  never  wed. 

D- Artaguette,  (When  she  has  dropped  BienvilWs  hand,)  Tell 
me  what  fate  awaits  me,  if  you  please. 

Madam  St,  Denis,  Brave  man  you  are,  too  brave.  I warn  you 
not  to  go  too  freely  among  the  Chickasaws.  (She  hides  her 
eyes^  and  shivers  with  distress,) 

D^ Artaguette,  You  see  something  that  distresses  your  kind 
heart. 

Madam  St,  Denis,  Again  I warn  you.  It  was  the  stake  and 
savages,  I saw. 

Re-enter  St,  Helene  and  Julie, 

St,  Helene,  In  good  time,  if  fortunes  are  being  told.  (Seeing 
St,  Denis,)  Ah,  St.  Denis!  (Shaking  his  hand,)  Glad  you’re 
back  again.  - 

St,  Denis  And  with  a wife.  (Indicating  his  wife  by  gesture,) 

St,  Helene,  (Bowing  acknowledgments  of  the  introduction.  The 
two  women  how  to  each  other,) 

St,  Helene,  (To  Madam  St,  Denis,)  See  Madam  if  you  can 
read  the  future  for  M’Mselle  Beaujeau. 

Julie,  (Drawing  her  hand  away,)  I know  my  fate.  Tell  the 
future  of  Monsieur  St.  Helene. 

St,  Helene,  (Holding  his  hand  to  Madam  St  Denis,) 

Madam  St,  Denis,  You  are  too  gallant.  Monsieur 

St,  Helene,  Sssh!  (His  finger  to  his  lips,) 

Madam  St,  Denis,  You  know  no  fear,  but  there  is  a false 
Frenchman  in  the  fort.  I see  you  stooping  to  light  a cigar. 
He  will  shoot  you  with  an  arrow  in  an  Indian  war. 

Julie,  (Clinging  to  St,  Helene^ s arm,)  Then  one  arrow  will 
pierce  two  hearts. 


34 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Madam  Chateauguay,  (To  her  husband,)  Come  dear,  and  let 
Madam  St.  Denis  see  how  soon  you  will  be  called  to  France 
to  serve  as  minister  to  the  king. 

Chateauguay,  (Embarrassed,)  Tut,  tut! 

Madam  Chateauguay,  (Leading  him  on,)  Now,  Madam  St. 
Denis.  Look  and  see. 

Madam  8t,  Denis,  (Reading  his  hand,)  You  will  be  made 
Governor — 

Madam  Chateauguay,  (Catching  her  breath  with  fleasure,)Ah\ 

Madam  8t,  Denis,  Of  Cayenne.  (To  be  pronounced  ki-en,) 

Madam  Chateauguay,  ThaFs  a convict  colony,  in  French  Guiana* 
(Pronounced  Oe^ah-no,) 

All,  (Laughing^  and  teasing  the  proud  lady,) 

Madam  Chateauguay,  I’ll  not  go  to  South  America.  It’s  bad  for 
the  skin. 

Chateauguay,  (Caressing  her,)  And  the  disposition.  Ah? 

Madam  Chateauguay,  (8miling^  affectionately  into  her  husband^s 
face,)  Dear  Chateauguay,  I’m  not  so  foolish  as  I seem. 

8t,  Helene,  'And  as  you  look.  (Teasing  her  about  her  new 
dress,) 

(A  noise  is  heard  without,) 

8t,  Helene,  (Looking  left,)  It  is  Marchand  from  Ft.  Toulouse. 

Julie,  And  look  what  follows.  It  is  barbaric  and  most  pic- 
turesque. 

Enter  Marchand, 

Marchand,  Monsieur  Governor.  Monsieur  Commandant.  (There 
is  general  bowing,) 

Bienville,  Well,  what  business  brought  you  from  the  Coosa  river 
fort? 

Marchant,  Business  of  the  Queen  of  Hearts. 

Bienville,  Another  wedding ! Mobile  has  turned  to  Cupid’s 
court. 

Re-enter  8panish  Wine, 

(Coming  from  left  and  followed  by  a number  of  Indian  youths 
all  playing  flutes  and  dancing  along  the  way,) 


AT  OLD  MOBILE. 


35 


Enter  Sehoy, 

(She  is  seated  in  a chair  that  rests  upon  a platform^  this  having 
a pole  at  each  of  the  four  corners  and  is  carried  by  four 
Indian  Braves,  Beside  the  chair  in  which  Sehoy  is  seated  is 
an  Indian  youth  bearing  a totem  pole,  carved  or  painted  with 
birds^  and  topped  with  a pair  of  outspread  wings.  The  wings 
are  the  emblem  of  the  Wind^  which  was  the  name  of  the  fam- 
ily or  tribe  over  which  Sehoy*s  mother  presided  at  the  sitef 
where  the  Ft,  was  placed.  The  decorations  of  the  chair^  it» 
self  should  be  as  barbaric  as  possible  with  animal  skins, 
with  deer  or  cow  horns  on  the  back  and  wild  flowers,  Th^ 
attendants  place  the  chair  in  the  center  of  the  stage  arid 
Sehoy  looks  about  a little  shy,  but  not  afraid,) 

Captain  Marchand,  (Goes  to  Sehoy,  takes  her  by  the  hand  and 
leads  her  before  the  two  Governors,)  This  is  Sehoy,  the 
daughter  of  the  Wind,  (They  bow,) 

Bienville,  (Taking  Sehoy  by  the  hand,  speaking  to  all,)  By  In- 
dian carte  a princess  of  the  blood.  (All  bow,)  Sehoy,  the 
elder,  mother  of  Sehoy,  (indicating  the  princess)  is  ruler  of 
her  tribe  and  friend  to  France! 

All,  (Cheer,)  Hurrah,  Sehoy! 

Captain  Marchand,  (Joining  Sehoy,  and  taking  her  hand,  ad- 
dressing Bienville,)  And  by  your  leave,  weVe  come  from 
Ft.  Toulouse  to  get  sanction  for  our  marriage. 

Enter  Father  D avion, 

Bien/ville,  I’ll  speak  nothing  ’gainst  it  for  the  state.  There 
comes  the  vicar  of  the  church. 

All,  (Turning  toward  Father  Davion,  bowing,) 

Bienville,  Good  Father,  you  have  come  in  time  to  bless  another 
union  of  young  hearts. 

Father  Davion,  (To  Marchand,)  Has  your  tawny  lady-love 
been  instructed  and  baptised?  There  were  missionaries  near 
your  fort  last  year. 

Marchand,  She  is  of  the  Faith. 


36 


ALABAMA  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 


Picard, 

Picard,  {He  is  playing  a minuet  of  stage,) 

St.  Helene,  Oh,  there  are  the  strains  of  good  Picard. 

Madam  Chateauguay,  He’s  just  come  home  from  Lake  Pont- 
chartrain  where  he’s  teaching  Indian  maids  the  minuet. 

Bienville,  {To  Madam  St.  Denis,)  The  French  ever  make  line 
arts  of  music  and  the  dance.  {To  St,  Helene,)  Go  invite 
Picard  to  fetch  his  violin. 

D^Artaguette,  {To  St,  Helene,)  And  bring  me,  if  you  please, 
the  casket  from  my  desk. 

St.  Helene,  {Gaily,)  A dance,  a dance!  {Exit,) 

Bienville,  {To  all,)  We’ll  celebrate  the  coming  of  the  Pelican, 
with  aU  it’s  brought. 

All,  The  Pelican!  Hurrah,  hurrah! 

Madam  Chateauguay , And  the  love  affairs,  by  land  and  sea,  lets 
cheer  for  them. 

All.  Hurrah,  hurrah,  hurrah!  {Some  turn  and  congratulate 
St,  Denis  and  his  vnfe,  Julie,  Marchand  and  Sehoy,) 

Enter  two  Conductresses, 

{They  join  the  ladies,  who  smilingly  greet  them  and  pretend  to 
talk,) 

Enter  the  Cassette  Girls  and  Husbands, 

{The  men,  if  preferred,  may  now  he  dressed  in  their  new  clothes 
fetched  upon  the  Pelican.  The  colonist  who  wanted  new 
breeches  and  suspenders,  making  himself  conspicuous,) 
Enter  all  Indians. 

Enter  Picard  and  St.  Helene, 

D^Artaguette,  {Taking  the  casket  from  St,  Helene,  bowing  to 
Cadillac.)  Monsieur  Governor.  {Bowing  before  Bienville,) 
Monsieur  Commandant,  and  Governor!  {Bowing  to  all,) 
Mesdames,  Monsieurs!  {Speaking  to  Bienville.)  I have  the 
honor  for  his  majesty,  to  give  to  you  in  gratitude,  the  deco- 
ration of  the  Cross  of  St.  Louis.  {He  lifts  the  decoration 
from  the  casket  and  puts  the  blue  ribbon  about  the  neck 
of  Bienville,)  This  is  done  because  of  your  most  rare  mer- 
its and  out  of  Louis’  love.  {He  kisses  Bienville  upon  both 


AT  OLD  MOBILE.  37 

cheeks^)  The  golden  spurs,  (holding  them  up  from  within 
the  casket)  we’ll  reserve  for  formal  installation, 

Bienville,  (Deeply  moved,)  I am  a man  of  action^  not  of  words. 
I thank  the  king  and  you.  (He  kisses  D^Artaguette  upon 
both  cheeks,) 

St.  Denis,  Three  cheers  for  his  Majesty  and  the  golden  lilies 
that  bless  the  flag  of  France. 

All,  (Saluting  the  flag  above  the  fort,)  Hurrah,  hurrah,  hur- 
rah! 

Father  Davion.  The  Lilies  and  the  cross!  (He  lifts  the  crucifix 
hanging  from  his  waist  rosary.  Lifting  his  hand  in  benedic- 
tion,) I bless  you  as  a faithful  son  of  Mother  Church. 

All,  They  bow  their  heads  a moment. 

Picard,  (Begins  the  minuet  softly^  and  Spanish  Wine  and  the 
other  flutists  join  him.  Partners  are  chosen  for  the  minuet 
and  the  principals  form  in  a set  center  of  the  stage,  all  others 
forming  as  they  can.  The  Indians  dance  amongst  themselves 
in  their  own  wild  way,) 

Bienville,  (Bowing  to  First  Conductress,  They  take  their  places,) 

Cadillac,  (Bowing  to  Madam  Chateauguay,  but  she  declines  to 
dance,  indicating  .that  she  is  prevented  by  her  large  skirts. 
They  stand  one  side  and  look  on,) 

Marchand,  (Taking  the  hand  of  Sehoy,  They  take  their  place 
in  the  principal  set,) 

St.  Helene,  (Bowing  to  Julie,  leads  her  to  their  place  in  first 
set^) 

Boisbriant,  (Bowing  to  Second  Grey  Lady,  They  take  their 
place  in  second  set,  behind,) 

Se,  Denis,  (Bowing  to  his  Spanish-Mexican  wife.  They  join 
the  principal  set,  making  four  couples.  The  dance  begins,  and 
when  half  completed  the  curtan  descends  slowly.) 

CURTAIN. 


4 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILUNOI9-URBANA 


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